All Fireplaces Are Not Created Equal

(274 words)

Canadian homeowners searching for a new gas fireplace quickly discover that they must choose from an array of attractive styles and features. One of the best ways to sort through your options is to focus on energy efficiency, a factor that is at least as important as how the fireplace will look in your home.

First, however, you will need to determine whether you are looking for strictly a decorative model or a unit that will actually be able to provide some space heating to the home. Talk to a salesperson to understand the differences and determine whether the set-up in your home favours one option over the other.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices on the basis of type, size, style and features, check the manufacturer’s literature of different models for the EnerGuide Fireplace Efficiency rating. Expressed as a percentage, the rating is a great way to separate energy-efficient units from models that are less so. It’s simple – the higher the rating, the more efficient the fireplace.

You’ll find that gas fireplaces have a wide range of efficiencies. Ratings for some models may be as low as 30 percent, while the best units have ratings in the 50 percent to 70 percent range. As a general rule, models designed for heating are more energy-efficient than decorative units.

For more information, including EnerGuide Fireplace Efficiency ratings for gas fireplaces sold in Canada, visit the Web site of Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency at oee.nrcan.gc.ca. Information is also available by calling toll-free 1 800 387-2000, or writing to Energy Publications, Office of Energy Efficiency, c/o S.J.D.S., Ottawa, Ontario K1G 6S3.